The lovely Vanessa and I met via an online course earlier this year. We both wanted to improve our blogging skills. It didn’t take long until we started to chat about our business ideas and hopes. As I run events and she hosts workshops it soon became apparent that we should do something together. Not long after, The Heiter Autumn Event took place at Vanessa’s Oak Tree Barn in Somerset, England. It was such a heiter experience that I wanted to find out more about Vanessa, and share her story wih all of you.

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.

I’m Vanessa and having spent the last 30 odd years pursuing many different occupations in many different locations I find myself back in the village of my childhood. I have rather taken the long way round, but have finally been able to identify the fact that the simple pleasure of spending time with like-minded people is what fills me up. Friends, family and those whom I welcome to my home in North Somerset, England, which I share for workshops and retreats. I’m happily married to a wonderful man and we have two very nearly grown up daughters. We’re a little spread around the country at present but love nothing more than being together at the barn where we enjoy pottering outside, gardening, eating, drinking, chicken wrangling and sitting in front of the fire.

When did you decide to start hosting workshops at Oak Tree Barn and why?

I began hosting workshops at Oak Tree Barn just a year ago having previously run them from our home in Bristol. I initially began running workshops having identified two things - that I definitely wanted to work for myself, and that I needed to meet other people regularly. I’ve always enjoyed attending workshops as I love learning, and thought this might just be the thing for me. I’m always happy for an excuse to try out new recipes and baking without the danger of eating it all myself is welcomed!I do know from experience through that running a workshop alone is quite challenging. It’s hard to be fully present for a group of participants if you’re worrying about whether the kettle has boiled or if lunch is ready. I hope that what I’m able to do is enable others to share their skills, knowledge and experience in a relaxed and pleasurable way for everyone.

What kind of workshops are held at the barn?

I’ve hosted quite a variety of events here, from floristry and Christmas wreaths to skills for small businesses and some quite intense personal development retreats. Indeed, I even hosted your first UK Heiter event which felt like the perfect combination of getting people together to enjoy a bit of everything - the benefits of a lovely walk, getting creative and also reflecting on the things that genuinely give us pleasure. The barn is a very special place to us and has a particularly peaceful, calm ambience. I am possibly a little biased, but others do comment upon it too. It’s a wonderfully flexible space so lends itself to a variety of small group events, and I’m always happy to try something new so welcome suggestions.

Image taken during the Autumn Heiter Event earlier this year

Why is the Oak Barn Tree different to other workshop locations?

I think perhaps it is partially the fact that the barn is a home that enables people to quickly feel comfortable here and able to absorb whatever the day has to offer. I’m always happy to share the (rather longwinded!) story of how we ended up owning and converting it; we know how lucky we are to have had the opportunity to create this space, and sharing it gives me great pleasure which I hope people can sense.

From a practical perspective it’s away from the city but within easy reach, parking is no issue and we have the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty literally on our doorstep. I offer nourishing home cooked food that I’m on hand to serve, and I’m always here to help out during workshops.

Why do you think workshops can have a positive impact on people and add to their Heiterkeit?

﻿I have no doubt at all that workshops have a positive impact. It may not always be what you expected, but I think the benefits of spending time amongst a group of people are enormous. Meeting people outside our regular circles, learning or experiencing something new, walking, talking, eating and drinking together is hugely uplifting. It opens our eyes and hearts to the possibilities we can create and offers support from others in exploring the options.

What have you enjoyed most about running your business?

It’s funny, when I very first began I think I thought I would find a creative pursuit that I would be able to fully embrace and turn into the business itself, but what I have actually discovered is that producing the words and imagery required to communicate about a business is what I really gain pleasure from. Photography and writing have become the ‘work’ I love, while welcoming others here at the barn doesn’t really feel like work at all.

The lovely Vanessa

What has been the biggest learning curve you’ve experienced while being a creative business owner?

The sheer number of things I’ve needed to learn and understand over the past couple of years has felt at times quite overwhelming. From the vague notion of having a business to actually being able to say confidently that I have one has been a huge leap. Sales, marketing, social media, admin, writing, photography, food hygiene, health & safety, insurance, finances, communication... The list is endless and just trying to remember to take it one step at a time, to slow down and breathe has been so important.

What’s next for you and the Oak Tree Barn?

I’m so looking forward to next year, to spending more time here with more people. I will be continuing to host others’ workshops and in addition am going to be offering other ways to join me here too. I will have a sort of ‘non-workshop’ day here each month, a day of camaraderie, of spending time with others who are perhaps creative and/or self-employed, to walk, talk, eat & drink together. I think it will be a lovely way to meet like-minded souls and cheer each other along.I am also very excited that I will be able to offer short 1:1 retreats in our new Shepard Hut. There have been many times in my life when I have felt a strong desire to hide away, to take stock, breathe deep and be looked after. And this is just what I want to offer to women who can’t get away to join a longer retreat with others, don’t want to be entirely alone but simply need to find a little time and space to reset themselves.

Warmth is the word that springs to mind, both the physical warmth of the sunshine or a fire and the psychological warmth of being with those we like and love. Sharing food and drink in the warmth - that’s heiterkeit to me! Vx

I don’t know about you, but personally I find it hard to get my hands on sustainable fashion brands that don’t make me feel like I am dressed up as someone else. People who know me in real life are aware that I like clothing, in particular, pieces that are unique. I studied fashion journalism, this of course carries a lot of history with it and its meaning and impact on me as an independent woman will probably always be part of who I am. So far, I have been unable to find many eco-friendly brands that suit my personality and style, however, I still want to make a difference without sacrificing how I best express myself.

Usually I overcome the issue by wearing vintage items instead of fast fashion but now and then it would be nice to have a piece or two that is contemporary, in-keeping with my style and at the same time, ethical. I was very happy when Jo from MOR wares approached me a few weeks ago. She introduced me to her simple, sustainable yet lovely fashion brand. In the interview below she tells us more about it.

MOR wares officially went ‘live’ in June 2017, but the concept had been present in my mind for a long time before that. MOR wares started from one design in my mind which was the ‘born to be mild’ slogan, and it grew from there. I knew I wanted create a brand that not only makes beautiful embroidered clothing, but also with the aim to inspire my customers and help people discover a lifestyle better connected with the earth, and with their truth.

After a big move across the UK (from London to Cornwall), and some time of self-reflection, I knew I was ready to start the business and see where we could go together.

MOR wares is building a hub and resource for linking into manifesting for the modern age. We want to empower and educate people on how to create freedom, inner peace and abundance - in whatever form that may take.

We work to three principles:

To help people to become modern manifesters - inspiring action and positive life changes through ideas and dialogue on the blog

To give back - we only work with industry leading manufactures who adhere to the highest ethical and environmental standards. We also donate a portion of the profits from each sale to tree planting projects around the world. One product sold = one tree planted!

Tell us more about your products.

Each design is embroidered on organic t-shirts and jumpers. I spent my time sourcing clothing that I could be sure was ethical and as sustainable as possible, and without compromising on quality.

The t-shirts and jumpers are certified 100% GOTS® organic, and organic cotton is one of the most sustainable fibres for textile production, as it uses methods (and material) that has a low impact on the environment, especially compared to ‘fast fashion’ manufacturing. Equally as important is the protection of human rights and fair wages! Both of the manufacturers of my clothing uphold strict codes of conduct when it comes to protecting the farmers and makers of the clothing, to industry leading standards.

Each design that I embroider is inspired by the beauty of nature, and my slogans act as a daily reminder of every person's ability to empower themselves and each other, if we can look within and trust.

What drives your passion for sustainable fashion?

There is so much thought and care that goes into genuinely sustainable fashion. It’s a real inter-connection between people and the planet which I love, and I think that connection drives positive change which is felt throughout the whole of the supply chain. From the seed growers, all the way through to the end consumer. It links us all.

What are the challenges in running your own sustainable fashion brand?

Aside from the everyday challenges of running a business, it’s being constantly aware of how you can make the small changes in the materials you use, or way you work that leads to a big difference! I am by no means perfect and there is still so much for me to do, but the key thing is to be aware, and work towards making those changes in a cost effective way.

For example, I am now at the stage where I can review my packaging and think about how I can move towards using less plastic (hello sellotape alternative!?) whilst being able to keep my costs down, or at least low enough to absorb them!

What do you recommend to others who would like to lead a more sustainable life?

I think the easiest way is to look at the small changes that you can make first, and then work up from there. For example, thinking about the way you use energy in your home, can you wash clothes less often and at a lower temperature? Are there more natural cleaning products you can use? A bigger change perhaps…? We’ve recently changed energy suppliers and are now powered with 100% renewable energy. That was pretty quick and straightforward to do!

I am very soon to change from working full time, to part-time which means I can have some more time to develop and define the brand! What’s next…? Working on the blog and our three principles, refining our packaging and developing some new inspirational products! Watch this space x